Assessment of wind energy potential and optimal electricity generation in Borj-Cedria, Tunisia

In the last century, several climate changes have been observed in regions all over the world. The main cause of these climatic changes is the rise of fossil fuel uses, which is due to the important demographic and industrial development. These negative effects have forced scientists to draw attention to renewable energy sources, which are the most suitable solution in the future. In this paper, wind energy potential was estimated using the wind speed data collected by two meteorological stations installed in the Centre of Research and Technologies of Energy (CRTEn) in the Borj-Cedria area. The data collected at 30, 20 and 10 m height during 2008 and 2009, have permitted us to estimate the seasonal mean wind speed, wind speed distribution and wind power density. The results have been used to estimate the net energy output of seven 1.5 MW wind turbines with taken account the air density correction and the power losses in wind farm. This comparative simulation shows difference in wind generators production and allows us to choose the best wind turbine adapted to the site conditions. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.